The Department of Anthropology UGM hosted a significant guest lecture by Dr. Edna Agyepong, an academic from the University of Energy and Natural Resource. The guest lecture aimed to explain the complexities of cultural diversity and economic development in Africa, particularly in developing countries.

Dr. Agyepong began her lecture by emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity in shaping land use practices. He argued that understanding local customs and traditions is crucial for effective land management. “Cultural diversity is not just a matter of heritage; it is a vital resource for sustainable development,” he said. This perspective is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which encourages quality education that promotes sustainability.

The lecture also highlighted the role of education for sustainability in empowering communities. Dr. Agyepong pointed out that education initiatives must integrate local knowledge and practices to be effective. “When we educate people about their land and its significance, we empower them to make informed decisions,” he explained. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members, which is crucial for sustainable economic development.

Dr. Agyepong also discussed the economic development challenges facing many African countries. He noted that while there is potential for growth, external factors such as climate change and global market fluctuations often hinder progress. “Developing countries must navigate these challenges while also preserving their cultural identity,” he said. This balancing act is critical to achieving the SDGs, particularly Goal 8, which focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The guest lecture also discussed the importance of civil society partnerships in driving development assistance. Dr. Agyepong emphasized that collaboration between governments, NGOs, and local communities is essential for effective resource management. “Civil society plays a critical role in championing the needs of the people and ensuring that development initiatives are inclusive,” he said. This collaborative approach can lead to more sustainable outcomes and greater community engagement.

As the lecture progressed, Dr. Agyepong shared case studies from various African countries, illustrating successful initiatives that integrate cultural diversity and sustainable practices. These examples served as inspiration to the participants, demonstrating the potential for positive change when local knowledge is valued and integrated into development strategies.

The audience was highly engaged during the Q&A session, where students asked questions about the practical application of Dr. Agyepong’s theories. Many expressed a desire to learn more about how they can contribute to sustainable development efforts in their own communities. Dr. Agyepong encouraged them to seek partnerships and engage with local organizations to make a meaningful impact.

In conclusion, Dr. Agyepong’s lecture provided valuable insights into the complexities of land use and cultural diversity in Africa. The emphasis on education for sustainability and the importance of civil society partnerships resonated strongly with participants, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts in achieving the SDGs. As the event drew to a close, participants left with renewed vigor and commitment to drive sustainable development in their own contexts. Dr. Agyepong’s lecture was a significant step in this direction, inspiring the next generation of leaders to embrace cultural diversity and work towards a sustainable future.

[Public Relations Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Sandya Kirani]

Master of Linguistics Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada will receive a visit from the Language Center of Southeast Sulawesi Province on:

Day/Date: Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Time: 13.00 – 15.15 WIB

Place: Room 721, Soegondo Building 7th Floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM

This meeting aims to discuss the Compilation of Bilingual Dictionary (Indonesia-Region) and Writing of Scientific Articles, as well as discuss other opportunities for cooperation between the two parties.

This activity will be attended by:

Dean of Faculty of Humanities

Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs

Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources

Head and Secretary of the Master of Linguistics Study Program

Delegates from the Language Center of Southeast Sulawesi Province (3 people)

Cooperation and Public Relations Unit (2 people)

Through this meeting, it is hoped that a good synergy can be established in developing linguistics, especially related to regional language documentation and improving the quality of scientific publications.

On Thursday, December 5, 2024, Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) received a visit from Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA) in order to benchmark the Tourism Study Program. The meeting took place at Soegondo Building, FIB UGM, and was attended by representatives of lecturers and students from both institutions.

This visit aims to deepen ITERA’s understanding of the management of the Tourism Study Program. During the discussion, representatives from the Tourism Study Program of FIB UGM explained their curriculum structure, including the number of credits and courses offered in each semester. ITERA got a detailed description of the learning patterns and various best practices applied at FIB UGM.

In addition, the discussion also covered the challenges faced in running the study program, such as curriculum development, implementation of field practice, and management of human resources and infrastructure. Both institutions exchanged ideas to overcome these obstacles, and discussed opportunities for future collaboration.

This activity is expected to provide inspiration for Institut Teknologi Sumatera in managing similar study programs, as well as strengthening the collaborative relationship between the two institutions in supporting the advancement of tourism education in Indonesia.

On October 19, 2024, the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program held the opening ceremony of Abhiseka Kramasisya and a talk show with lecturers and alumni who became speakers for new students. Abhiseka Kramasisya is a routine event organized by the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program. In 2024, Abhiseka Kramasisya invited speakers who have a lot of experience that can be shared with new students. All invited speakers have extraordinary careers in their respective fields. New students get motivation and an overview of the various professions undertaken by alumni. Starting from being a courtier to entering the entertainment world, the diversity of professions of alumni of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program shows that Javanese Literature and Culture can develop in any field.

Picture 1 Lecturers on study program workshop

Before entering the talk show with alumni, new students were first introduced to departmental materials delivered by lecturers who were present, both offline and online. The lecturers who attended offline included Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., Imam Prakoso, S.S., M.A. delivered departmental material in accordance with their respective majors. Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., accompanied by Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., explained the philology section. Starting from the definition of philology to the process of learning philology. Followed by a presentation by Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., explaining the specialization of linguistics, and the last one was delivered by R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., who explained the literature section. Then there were several lecturers who joined online because they were continuing their studies abroad, including Yosephin Priastuti Rahayu, S.S., M.Hum., who was continuing her studies at Leiden University. Nurmalia Habibah, S.S., M.A., who is in France to continue her studies at PSL University, and finally there is Zakariya Pamuji Aminullah, S.S., M.A., who is in Germany and studying at Universitat Hamburg.

Picture 2 Lecturers who attended online

This departmental session was well received by all Abhiseka Kramasisya participants. “The material makes me more familiar with the study program, so I understand more about the majors tomorrow, it’s also fun to get to know all the lecturers,” said Andini Nuraini, one of the new students participating in Abhiseka Kramasisya. With this session, it is hoped that new students can find out information about the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, be able to guide their knowledge to achieve noble goals, and always preserve Javanese culture.

The event continued with an alumni talk show delivered by 3 speakers namely Sukma Putri, Razan Bahri, and Rizky Inggar. The first speaker, Sukma Putri, conveyed information related to her current profession as a servant of the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace. Sukma also conveyed the message and impression of being a student of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. The motivation given by Sukma to new students is very interesting, “Thank you for choosing Javanese Literature, because your first step in choosing here can already create a big step in the future. Cheer up to all of you, be healthy and sane always because you deserve a beautiful miracle from what you have chosen,” she wrote in one of the powerpoint slides shown.

Picture 3 Sukma Putri delivered her material

Razan Bahri as the second speaker, he attended this event online because he was abroad, to be precise he worked as a staff of the Indonesian Consulate General in Melbourne. Some new students get the view that being a student of Javanese Language, Literature and Culture does not limit them from having a job outside their major. Razan Bahri said that mastering English at this time is an important thing that must be done, without excluding the use of mother tongue and Indonesian. Using English to introduce Javanese culture in the international arena can initiate steps to preserve Javanese culture and promote it further.

Picture 4 Razan Bahri delivered his material

The third speaker was an alumni student of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, which was then still called Sastra Nusantara class of 2003, she plunged into the world of Indonesian entertainment. She has participated in many television programs, she is famous as a female comedian who is very multitalented, in addition to her jokes that always succeed in making people laugh, she is a singer who can also play roles. Rizky Inggar Lukitovati, who is often called Mbak Kiky, was the speaker at the Abhiseka Kramasisya 2024 alumni talk show. Entered in several award nominations and won one of them, Rizky Inggar told the beginning of her career until she could reach her current life. Rizky Inggar gave many views that the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program will one day create many great people who can be influential for the future. In fact, the image as a Javanese with his medhok dialect was able to bring Rizky Inggar to become a famous artist who has a strong identity and characteristics today. This shows that the existence of Javanese culture is valued and should be empowered, so that it does not become extinct. Rizky Inggar also emphasized to continue to be enthusiastic about achieving dreams even though there are many obstacles in the way, with confidence and determination, everything can be achieved.

Picture 4 Rafael Raga’s conversation as moderator with Rizky Inggar

In the talk show with alumni, students get provisions to undergo the world of lectures. The three speakers also provided some motivation to students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program who might feel pessimistic about their job prospects after graduation. Emphasizing that Javanese Satra students must believe that their expertise is needed in various sectors, especially in the creative industry, media, and education. The warm and insightful discussion provided many valuable lessons for all participants, especially in facing an increasingly competitive professional world. The speakers who shared their experiences, challenges, and successes provided a broad perspective on the various opportunities that students can take advantage of after graduation. Through this talk show, it is hoped that students can be motivated to continue working and prepare themselves to face future challenges that are full of opportunities.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science UGM, Sandya Kirani]

The 2024 Independent Campus Competition Program (PKKM) carried out by the UGM Anthropology Department has reached its peak with the presentation of research results and village development. The event, which took place at the Margono Building FIB on December 03, 2024, was a place for participants to present the results of their field work and community service. In this PKKM program, students of the Cultural Anthropology undergraduate program collaborated to conduct research and empowerment activities in Pandansari village, Paguyangan District, Brebes. They chose various research themes that are relevant to the problems faced by the village community, such as agriculture, irrigation, education, tourism, and waste management.

Irrigation is a crucial factor in agricultural activities, especially related to the management and access to water sources, as well as the use of fertilizers, adaptation strategies to climate change, and criticism of farmer card policies studied through an anthropological perspective. The broader problems of agrarian society do not only revolve around the process of planting to harvesting, other research also discusses the agricultural commodity trading system. In the tourism cluster, students conducted research on the governance and sustainability concept carried by Pandansari as a tourist village. This theme also correlates with social navigation among the younger generation in Pandansari Village towards social dynamics, changing values, and community expectations.

Finally, participants from the Bina Desa program presented a reflection of the activities they carried out during the month. Starting with discussing community awareness of the importance of waste management then evaluating the application of the Titen application for data collection.

This PKKM 2024 program accommodates students to experience conducting field research by learning directly in the community, students assess that field research activities have a huge impact on the development of their knowledge and application of methodologies. In addition, social sensitivity and cultural experience are also important things to reflect on. Through this activity, the Department of Anthropology UGM is committed to realizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 4, namely quality education and number 11, namely sustainable cities and settlements.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science UGM, Author: Novilatul Ananda Ramadhani, Photo: Bonifacius Edo Wisnu Waskita, Translator: Sandya Kirani, Editor: Sandya Kirani]